Did Ryan Poles Stick To His Word with the Justin Fields Trade?

When Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles discussed the possibility of a Justin Fields trade during the 2024 NFL Combine, he emphasized that he wanted to do right by his quarterback and reach a resolution sooner rather than later.

On Saturday, Poles traded Field to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. It was a shockingly low return in trade compensation for Fields, who began the 2023 season as an NFL MVP candidate.

Indeed, Poles engaged in numerous conversations with teams about a Justin Fields trade but ultimately accepted the offer from the Steelers, in part because it was the best outcome for Fields, even if it wasn’t the best outcome for the Bears.

Important note on the Justin Fields trade: At least four additional teams inquired about trading for Fields, but Fields’ representation asked for him not to be traded there. He wanted the #Steelers, and the #Bears did right by him. https://t.co/jE65yV0jzm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2024

In other words, Ryan Poles indeed stuck to his word.

This is such a rare scenario. Ryan Poles didn’t have to acquiesce to Fields or his agent’s request. He could have taken the best deal outright.

Instead, Poles gave up what little leverage he had in order to make sure he was doing right by a guy he didn’t draft. https://t.co/mKTk6bVI0G

— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) March 17, 2024

I know some Chicago Bears fans think Poles made a mistake by not getting the maximum draft pick compensation for Fields, and I get it. A conditional sixth-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft is barely pennies on the dollar. But, sometimes, immediate returns can’t measure the best decisions. The lingering positive impact Poles’ decision to do right by Fields will have in the locker room, and on future free agents who are considering signing with the Bears, is massive.

Poles proved he’s a general manager who actually puts his players first. It’s refreshing, and it should be applauded.

Next up for Poles and the Bears is finding Justin Fields’ replacement. He’ll come via the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and it’s expected to be Caleb Williams, the former Heisman Trophy winner from USC.